LOUISE SUGDEN
Para Powerlifting
GB Para Powerlifter and former GB Wheelchair Basketball Player
“I’m absolutely loving the challenges of a new sport and the incredibly steep learning curve. To represent Great Britain in one sport is a real honour, so you can imagine I am doubly delighted to do so.”
Having first tried Wheelchair Basketball at the age of 13, Louise found herself hooked on the fast-paced game and joined a London Wheelchair Basketball team shortly after. Her commitment and dedication to the Great Britain Team has seen her attend every major competition since 2005.
Major accomplishments include 4 bronze medals from 5 European Championships, Gold at the 2011 Paralympic World Cup and competing at Beijing, London and Rio Paralympic Games. Louise retired from Wheelchair Basketball in 2017 and decided to stay in elite sport by giving Para Powerlifting a try. After nine months in the sport, Louise accomplished a silver medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the women’s heavyweight Para Powerlifting division.
“I think that the support from Path to Success is excellent and it is enabling athletes to focus on their goal of reaching Tokyo 2020. With the financial support given, we are able to train more and are able to afford the many things that make up being a successful athlete. Thank you to Path to Success for providing this opportunity.”
2019
"2019 has been another great year for me. I've successfully improved my world ranking and put myself in a great position for Tokyo 2020 qualification
I'm excited for next year, especially the World Cup taking place in Manchester in February as one of the last qualifying events ahead of the Paralympic games. I've got some big goals for next year and I'm working hard to get myself on that Paralympic podium."